According to the Pacer Center: Champions for Children with Disabilities, an emotional impairment is considered a hidden impairment.

A hidden impairment (or disability) is exactly what it sounds like... by looking at a student you are not able to tell that he/she has an impairment.


To learn more about what a hidden disability is, visit The Open University website: What are hidden disabilities?





How does a student get an emotional impairment?


Unfortunately, no one can actually pinpoint the cause(s) of an emotional impairment. However, there are several factors that can play a role in leading up to (but are not the direct cause of) an emotional impairment including:

  • Heredity

  • Brain disorder

  • Diet

  • Stress

  • Family life

The National Alliance of Metal Illness (NAMI) states that, "Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing." To read more about what NAMI has to say on the matter, visit this website: Mental Illnesses.




Bridges4Kids.org is a valuable website which describes what a teacher (or parent) can do identify if a student may have an emotional impairment. Check out the specific warning signs you will want to identify as early as possible: How to Identify Emotional Disabilities.